Waking up with a pounding or racing heart can be unsettling, but it is not always dangerous. A cardiologist explains common triggers, sleep-related causes and warning signs that should not be ignored
Absconding Israeli drug dealer Yaniv Benaim alias Atala surrendered before a court in Goa on Wednesday (September 16, 2026), which then remanded him in a 30-day judicial custody in connection with a narcotics case.
Atala, against whom a non-bailable warrant (NBW) and a Look-Out Circular (LOC) had been issued, surrendered around noon before the court at Merces in North Goa in compliance with the Bombay High Court’s September 16 deadline.
Waking up with a racing or pounding heart can feel alarming, but it is a symptom doctors see quite often. According to Ashish Kumar, the first step is not panic, but understanding what the sensation actually represents.
“It is disconcerting to wake up with a pounding heart,” Dr Kumar says. “I begin by asking patients whether their heart is really beating fast, or whether they have simply become more aware of it in the stillness of the morning.”
He adds that this distinction is important, but not always reassuring on its own. “If both experiences are happening, neither should be ignored.”
Palpitations are a symptom, not a diagnosis
Dr Kumar emphasises that palpitations are not a disease in themselves.
“Palpitations are not a diagnosis, they are a symptom,” he explains. “They can reflect many different underlying triggers, from lifestyle factors to medical conditions.”
Short episodes may be linked to everyday influences such as stress, poor sleep, dehydration, alcohol, nicotine or certain medications. In some cases, the heart rate may feel more noticeable simply because the body is transitioning from sleep to wakefulness.
“Sometimes the heartbeat is not necessarily abnormal,” he says. “It just becomes more noticeable in the morning.”
When lifestyle triggers may be responsible
According to Dr Kumar, common daily habits often play a role in early morning palpitations.
“These episodes that are short-lived may be caused by stress, dehydration, alcohol intake, nicotine use or even lack of proper sleep,” he says.
He explains that the body’s natural waking process can also make the heartbeat feel stronger or faster than usual, even when it is within normal limits.
However, he cautions that persistent or recurrent episodes should not be dismissed as harmless.
Medical causes that should not be missed
While lifestyle factors are common, Dr Kumar highlights that underlying medical conditions can also contribute.
“An overactive thyroid or anaemia can sometimes be the reason behind a fast heartbeat,” he says. “At times, the rhythm itself may be irregular, which requires further evaluation.”
He stresses that symptoms should always be interpreted in context rather than assumed to be benign.
The importance of sleep quality and sleep apnoea
A key area of focus, according to Dr Kumar, is sleep quality and what happens during the night.
“I especially focus on the events of the previous night,” he explains. “If someone snores loudly, wakes up gasping for air or feels exhausted despite a full night’s sleep, we consider obstructive sleep apnoea.”
He notes that repeated breathing interruptions during sleep can place strain on the cardiovascular system.
“Research from the American Heart Association links sleep-related breathing disorders with rhythm disturbances such as atrial fibrillation,” Dr Kumar says. “But this does not mean sleep apnoea explains every case of morning palpitations.”
What patients should observe and report
Dr Kumar advises patients to pay attention to patterns when symptoms occur.
“It is useful to note how long the episode lasts, whether the heartbeat feels regular or irregular, and whether there is dizziness or breathlessness,” he says.
He adds that wearable devices can sometimes provide helpful information. “A smartwatch recording or ECG trace can assist in understanding what happened, especially if the episode recurs.”
When to seek medical attention
While many cases are not dangerous, certain symptoms require urgent evaluation.
“If chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness or extreme dizziness occur along with a racing heart, immediate medical attention is necessary,” Dr Kumar warns.
He also advises against self-reassurance after repeated episodes. “If it keeps happening, it should be evaluated even if you feel fine afterwards.”
The right question to ask
Dr Kumar concludes that the focus should shift away from speed alone and towards rhythm and cause.
“People often ask, how fast was my pulse?” he says. “But the more important question is, what was the rhythm of my heart and why?”
